FROM THE MASTER GARDENERS: A Case for California Native Plants
By Lucy Warren, UCCE Master Gardener of San Diego County, for Let’s Talk Plants! October 2026.
A Case for California Native Plants
As gardeners, we are drawn to the latest, brightest varieties of exotic species for our gardens, always chasing the new and unusual. But as our world heats up with climate change, more and more water-thirsty lawns are being sacrificed for moonscapes of rocks and cactus, or spiky, heat-intensive green plastic “lawns.” Neither of these alternatives are eco-friendly.
There is another solution which not only reduces water usage, but also provides year-round color and interest for your landscape. Many Californians are now waking up to the beauty and utility of our local California native plants. And this is a great time of year to begin planning a similar transition.
Our native plants are special! And there are so many to choose from. In San Diego, we have the driest of the world’s five Mediterranean climates. California has more different soil types than the rest of the country. The California floristic province has nearly 3,500 unique species. San Diego County has the most diversity of species in California.
There are so many native plants, that you can design a garden in any style. When questioned recently by an East Coast blogger regarding California natives to substitute for traditional garden plants for an English cottage garden, the list of potential plants was astounding. https://www.dearavantgardener.com/p/and-the-winner-is
Many people ask if they can mix natives and exotic plants in their gardens. The answer is “yes, but why?” Since these different plants need different kinds of care, why would you? If you like natives and other species, plant them in different parts of your garden. Keep the natives together, just like you do your vegetables.
The plants which have evolved in our unique and challenging environment through the eons are tough IF they are tended according to their own needs. Most of the failures of California native landscapes are a result of trying to utilize traditional horticultural methods for these unique plants.
The secret to creating a native landscape with year-round beauty is to plant it with three-quarters evergreen perennial plants, trees and shrubs. Then tuck in the seasonal blooming plants where their foliage will die back or you can reach them to deadhead.
Think to the future as you plan your native garden. That small shrub in a one-gallon pot can grow to an enormous size, so read the label and create enough space for it to reach maturity. You will save money and a great deal of work in the future. You would be amazed at how fast one-gallon and five-gallon plants will grow in your garden.
Some things to remember as you plan your garden: Prepare the site. Remove old plant material and turf to bare native soil. Forget about fertilizer and supplements. Save those for your houseplants and vegetables.
The best type of irrigation system is one which mimics nature with micro-spray heads. These wash off the leaves of the plant without saturating the soil during the part of the year when the plants don’t expect a drenching. Drip is a no-no if you want to keep your natives alive.
The money you have saved in buying smaller plants is best spent in buying good compost. A four-inch layer of shredded redwood bark, a by-product from the forest industry, replicates native duff and lasts for years. Desert and coast plants are the exceptions as they like inorganic mulch, sand, pebbles.
Plant your plants in the ground at the same level as the soil line in the pot. Do not dig the hole any deeper, but dig to double the width of the pot. Remove the plant from the pot and pop it in the ground. Then fill in the soil around the edges.
As soon as you have planted your natives, water, water, water! That very same day, hopefully, that very same hour. It is the most water you will ever use. It not only provides moisture for the plant, but also settles the soil around the roots. Natives do not like air on their roots.
Watch the young plants as they will need more frequent watering as they settle into their new home.
Also, pay close attention to ants. The exotic Argentine ants which have invaded California have no natural predators. They will place scale and aphids on the roots of California natives which will suck the life out of the plants. Typical ant baits will kill the worker ants and leave the queen to pump out more. So, you will need to treat with low-dose baits which workers will take back to the nest to kill the queen.
Enjoy your native landscape! The green space around your home will help to cool the earth. The plants will attract and help to maintain species of rare and endangered fauna. Children love to play in a diverse landscape. And, you will be the envy of your lawn-addicted neighbors with more time to enjoy it.
For questions on home gardening, contact the UCCE Master Gardeners of San Diego County Hotline at (858)822-6910 or by email at help@mastergardenerssandiego.org.